A public health discussion series in an advanced pharmacy practice experience

Abstract

Objectives. To develop and integrate a student-centered, active-learning public health discussion series into an existing advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) to enhance knowledge and encourage integration of public health activities into students' future careers. Design. Students participated in 3 hour-long discussions to define and identify the scope of public health and to examine public health initiatives outside of and within health care. Assessment. Improvement in the ability to accurately define public health was observed after students participated in the discussion series compared to baseline. Post-discussion definitions were more broad and accurate. Unsolicited comments about the discussion series documented in post-APPE reflections described students' initial lack of knowledge, improved knowledge base, and improved interest in participating in public health initiatives. Conclusions. Time devoted to public health discussions during an APPE can substantially impact student pharmacists' knowledge base and interest in public health. Additionally, this active-learning technique aids in meeting the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) public health standards.